Lonnie Nesmith was born August 27, 1912 in Nesmith, Williamsburg County, SC. He married Elease Britton in 1935 and from that union was blessed with three sons, Henry, Johnnie, and Lonnie, Jr.
He was educated in the public schools of Williamsburg County, SC. Lonnie was a man who believed in order. He was active in his community, and received numerous awards for his service. He was employed at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for thirty-six years until he retired. In 1982 he hosted the first Nesmith Family Reunion in Winston-Salem, NC which launched a tradition that traveled to Wilmington, NC, Charleston, SC, Norfolk, VA, Mullins and Lake City, SC.
Lonnie was a devoted member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church. He served faithfully for over 50 years on the Senior Usher Board, and as President for over 35 years. Other church affiliations included the Methodist Men, the St. Paul Brotherhood, Sunday Church School, Noon Bible Study, the Senior Choir, and the Sick and Shut-in Ministry which was named in his honor. He was also a volunteer with the Meals and Wheels program. Lonnie was honored with a proclamation from the St. Paul United Methodist Church for dedicated service in visiting the sick in hospitals, nursing centers, and in their homes.
Lonnie Nesmith departed life on May 8, 2010.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elease; and his son, Johnnie.
Lonnie leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Henry L. (Carolyn) of Philadelphia, PA and Lonnie Nesmith, Jr.; sisters, Eveary Green of Charleston, SC, Tina Stone and Magnolia Mullen of Norfolk, VA; grandchildren, Arleen Gail Nesmith-Glenn and Lonnie Nesmith, III both of the home, Beverly Mickle of Winston-Salem, NC, Deborah (Andre) McCombs of Hickory, NC, Stephanie Russell of Norcross, GA, and Rodney Nesmith of Winston-Salem, NC; five great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; devoted cousin and friend, Barry Nesmith; concerned family and friends, Georgia Foster Pettigrew, Clotell Nesmith, and Lewis Rossell; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, May 14, 2010 at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Pastor Donald Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.